Summer starts this weekend, and what better way to celebrate than with a BBQ? Instead of the traditional steaks and hamburgers, try grilling seafood and vegetables. Here are some tips for grilling fresh fish on the BBQ:

1. Have patience. Wait until the coals have burned down, or use a lower flame on the the gas grill.

2. Use a good clean grate that has been oiled.

3. Flip the fish only once, (save the fancy flipping for pancakes).

4. Cook the fish just about 7 minutes per inch of thickness.

5. Take its temperature, use your thermometer, the fish is done at 140º (120º if you want to cook a fish like tuna rare), or poke a pointy knife into the thickest part of the fish, then touch the knife, if it is warm the fish is done.

6. But here is the tricky part, remember the fish continues to be hot/cook a bit after you take it off the grill, so take it off just before it is completely done, and let it sit and relax a few minutes before you serve it.

Don’t fret that Father’s Day is only a couple of days away and neither you nor the kids have bought anything. The very best gift anyone can give isn’t something bought at the mall or gift-wrapped. The very best gift of all is right under your very roof.

Make Dad dinner.

Figure out the menu, buy the groceries, organic when possible, and cook from scratch. Engage the kids in the kitchen and let them be an integral part of preparing this special meal.

Set the table with love by adding a budding branch found outside or pick a family heirloom found in the cabinet, something that can be the centerpiece of the table and the conversation. Or perhaps find a fun and different location for dinner — a picnic in the backyard or on the living room floor. Hey maybe even dust off that dining room you rarely use!

Then sit down, as a family, with phones and TV screens turned off. And talk. Tell stories about your parents, grandparents and far-off uncles. Talk about what you all love best about Dad.

Remember, great meals make great memories. Because on top of all the benefits of family dinner, it spreads love too!

How many times has Laurie said, “Dinner is not about three courses and dessert, it can be as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it is the time you spend together that matters.” She has said it many, many times. And she is right!

So I am going to say it too, but let us make it a little cozier, by grilling the sandwiches with bananas and honey. Warm melting peanut butter, sweet bananas and crunchy bread, and there will still plenty of time left over to play a few games around the table…